Transmission: 3 gears, Automatic
Model year: 2022
Registration number: PO-18-12

The Pontiac Bonneville Safari was already a very rare appearance in 1959. Pontiac managed to sell only 4,673 units in total. Americans and the Station Wagon have never been a good marriage. Quite remarkable actually because it is exactly a body shape that should perfectly suit people from the “land of the free and home of the brave”. Be that as it may, this example was sold new in 1959 and purchased in 1996 by a Swede from Lulea. Not in his own city, of course, but in the United States. He was on vacation in New Mexico with his family and had seen this car there. Still, he wasn't sure if he should buy this copy or if he should drive "just" to Los Angeles to see another copy. Once in LA it soon became apparent that the car in New Mexico was much better and he decided to drive back. A return trip of 2,400 kilometres, a special way of celebrating the holiday, we must think. After purchasing the car, he loaded her onto a trailer and drove to the nearest car wash to give the car a thorough hose down. Under a thick layer of dust emerged a very beautiful Pontiac Bonneville Safari. The car stood still for unknown reasons since 1973 but turned out to be very solid. The body was completely free of rust and the condition of the chrome was better than expected.

It turned out to be an excellent buy and the car went into a container and arrived in northern Sweden months later. There they immediately started removing the engine and transmission. Although it had already been decided to switch to a full transmission, the reason for the long-standing still came to light immediately when the engine was removed. The engine block appeared to be cracked. To make sure that the car would be in top condition again, it was decided to order a completely new block in the United States.

The restoration was tackled very thoroughly, with a great sense of originality and an eye for detail. It soon became clear that the Nougat Colored interior could largely be preserved, but that the exterior had to be completely done. The missing parts were ordered new in the United States and the body was repainted in this beautiful two-tone bronze livery. The best man has an eye for it because we can't imagine a better colour for this car, what a picture! The condition of the car can still be described as very good. The body is beautifully cared for with correct fits and beautiful sheet metal. The lavish chrome is all in very good condition. The existing luggage rack on the roof is the icing on the cake.

The interior is to pass through a ring. This must be the ultimate for lovers of classic American cars. They are literally no longer made that way. The inside of the Pontiac not only looks beautiful but everything functions as it should. The counters and controls are all precisely operable. The upholstery is also neatly arranged and very original.

The technology has been completely overhauled. The previous owner has regularly driven long distances with the car and it shows, cars that are used simply drive better than cars that are just standing still. The V8 engine is, of course, mainly tuned for torque and can be driven smoothly. You don't have to step on the gas very far, because thanks to the enormous displacement of 6.3 litres, there is always plenty of torque available. If necessary, the V8 delivers 300hp peak power. The engine is mated to a three-speed automatic transmission. The automatic transmission shifts smoothly and things such as the chassis, tires and brakes are neatly arranged.

The work is well documented. Several invoices are available as well as general information about the car such as an interview with the previous owner in a Swedish car magazine. The icing on the documentation cake is the original manual. In short, a beauty of a rarity and a pure piece of American cultural heritage. If we consider that in 1996 Janne already had to drive 2400 kilometres to view two in the United States, you can see how rare they are now. A car to cherish and enjoy.

Gallery Aaldering is Europe’s leading Classic Cars specialist since 1975! Always 400 Classic and Sportscars in stock, please visit www.gallery-aaldering.com for the current stock list (all offered cars are available in our showroom) and further information. We are located near the German border, 95 km from Düsseldorf and 90 km from Amsterdam. So easy traveling by plane, train, taxi and car. Transport and worldwide shipping can be arranged. No duties/import costs within Europe. We buy, sell and provide consignment sales (selling on behalf of the owner). We can arrange/provide registration/papers for our German (H-Kennzeichen, TÜV, Fahrzeugbrief, Wertgutachten usw.) and Benelux customers. Gallery Aaldering, Arnhemsestraat 47, 6971 AP Brummen, The Netherlands. Tel: 0031-575-564055. Quality, experience and transparency is what sets us apart. We look forward to welcoming you in our showroom